Tenants and landlords 'benefit from law changes'

A Jersey lawyer says new tenancy regulations provide stronger protection to tenants and structure for landlords.

Changes to the Residential Tenancy Law have come into force, introducing more "robust processes around notice, tenancy types and rent increases".

Priya Jobanputra, an associate in the Property, Probate and Wills department of Le Gallais and Luce legal firm, said the introduction of a Rent Tribunal was particularly beneficial as tenants could challenge proposed rent increases.

The tribunal would have the power to approve, vary or reject increases.

Jobanputra said the changes also gave landlords a better structure for notice periods and more power to end leases with those tenants who were in breach of contract either through damage to property or anti-social behaviour.

She said the new regulations had introduced a cap on rent increases, which stopped tenants being exploited, and would provide "predictability and transparency".

Rent can no longer be increased higher than the retail price index (RPI) rate.

Regarding the tribunal, she said: "It's great as it provides protection for the tenant, of course, but also for the landlord because, if they are justified [in increasing rent], then, hopefully, the tribunal will agree with them."

Minister for Housing Deputy Sam Mezec said the introduction of the new regulations was "historic", marking the biggest changes to Jersey's law in more than a decade.

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